Illinois Suburbs Are Trying To Stop Legal Cannabis Clubs

Illinois Suburbs Are Trying To Stop Legal Cannabis Clubs

Contributor: Dave Cook

Many of you may be too young to recall, but there once was a time when marijuana was demonized. And not just in one place or another. Across the nation, if you were known to be a local cannabis enthusiast, you’d be severely judged, either behind closed doors or directly to your face.

Here’s How Illinois Suburbs Plan To Stop Dispensaries From Opening Up In Their Neighborhood

The negative stigma that hovered around cannabis was unjustly put there by false propaganda and misguided legislation by the federal government. It didn’t take long for the majority of society to scorn and shun us, smokers, into our smoke-filled basements and apartments. Left to linger (and giggle) amongst ourselves, forever fearing legal ramifications for our peaceful medicating.

Then the clouds parted, and cannabis started getting a better reputation. Each year it seemed like it was not only becoming more relevant in everyday society, but also more readily available to procure. The potency continued to increase, as well, thus showing that the science behind cultivation was getting better and better. It was truly a revolutionary time to be alive.

Illinois Suburbs Are Trying To Stop Legal Cannabis Clubs

The masses finally opened their eyes and saw the error of their ways, and welcomed cannabis into their lives with open arms. Before you knew it, legalization was no longer a dream – it was a reality. And states, regardless of the federal government’s opinion, started to allow citizens the right to grow, buy, and smoke cannabis. It was all such a glorious, glorious sight to behold, and I feel fortunate for having lived through it.

As cinematic as I may have summarized that whole process, it’s still an accurate portrayal of the steps that took place in order for society to be more accepting of cannabis. However, even though the popular opinion on marijuana is leaning more towards the positive these days, there are still pockets of this nation that more than frown upon ganja – they unjustly see it as a dangerous crime, just like the federal government. And they are willing to do everything in their power to stop legalization dead in its tracks.

What is really interesting about these anti-cannabis territories is they often find themselves smack dab in a state that’s newly legalized marijuana. If that’s not the definition of ironic, I’m not sure what is. This seems to be the case in a number of states, but it’s becoming a growing controversy in Illinois as of late.

For those unaware, Illinois has recently legalized recreational cannabis for their residents, but it doesn’t go into effect until January 2020. While they are eager to hand out dispensary licenses to anyone who passes their vetting process, there’s an increasing number of counties and towns that are banning together to ensure that no dispensaries are ever opened up in their city. Which, as you could imagine, has caused quite a rift amongst Illinois citizens, as far as cannabis legalization is concerned.

All across the greater Chicago area (and then some) you can spot these protesters marching and chanting about their distaste for any and all things cannabis. This group, most of whom happen to be Chinese American citizens, is named: Opt Out.


That name, obviously, is a reference for what they are urging their local city council members to do when broached with the opportunity to “opt out” of allowing dispensaries to open in their city or town. These protesters are bound together by a deep love for family values and archaic societal norms. They feel like the opening of a cannabis club would be akin to the opening of a drug den. Which, as you may have guessed, just simply wouldn’t be the case. But these passionate folks are intense, yet often filled with an insatiable paranoia.


However, as misguided as they may be, their protests seem to be catching on like wildfire in Illinois. Towns like Naperville are full of Opt Out members doing their best to prohibit cannabis clubs from even thinking about opening up a business in their town. But, that doesn’t mean their neighboring cities have followed suit. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

Illinois Suburbs Are Trying To Stop Legal Cannabis Clubs
There’s a real checkerboard-type scenario happening when it comes to where these dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis. Places like Northbrook and Deerfield have allowed companies to open up shop within their borders. While adjacent towns have crossed their arms, raised their voices, and drew up protest posters in an effort to get their city council’s attention. In a number of these protest areas, they have been successful in doing so. Like in Naperville, for instance.

A City Councilman there, Kevin Coyne, was more than open about his admiration for Opt Out. In a public statement on the matter, Coyne commented, “I think the Opt Out group has been both the largest and best organized grassroots movement I’ve seen since I’ve been in elected office. I think without question they’ve had an impact on this topic’s debate and discussion.”

But not everyone in town follows that same thought process. A peer of Councilman Coyne, Councilwoman Judy Broadhead, wasn’t shy about sharing her feelings about Opt Out, and how they didn’t even phase her with their anti-marijuana pleas. Specifically, Broadhead said, “I don’t think the group that came to a few of our meetings is really reflective of the community as a whole.”

Adding, “That group clearly has gotten some traction, but I think their worries are unfounded, their fears are unfounded. I was sorry to see that many of the same people are going from meeting to meeting and gathering some steam.”

Which is true. A lot of these same members of Opt Out are traveling to various city council meetings, essentially posing as voting residents of that county. Of which, they are not. It’s all a big smokescreen of protests being brought forth by this one group, and it’s important that these committees take that into consideration when voting on whether or not to allow cannabis clubs to open up shop in their city.

To be fair, these protesters aren’t dangerous people. They are merely consumed by this baseless fear of a crime-heavy future should cannabis clubs be allowed to open up in their town. That sort of reality just would never occur. Regulations and rules would have to be followed in order for these people to run a legitimate business. It would make having to buy bud from illegal sources obsolete. Thus, eliminating a major crime factor in most places. The positives to cannabis clubs are endless, but some people can see these positives easier than others.

It’s all about fairness. It’s important to hear their side and vote accordingly. It’s always going to be a case-by-case basis when it comes to debates of this nature. But, personally, I will always fall on the side of cannabis. There’s a multitude of benefits that come along with the opening up of businesses such as this. Not to mention the exorbitant wealth a city would be able to use to better its infrastructure and whatnot.

While I understand where these protesters are coming from with their argument, I must urge all those with voting power to do what’s right: let these dispensaries open up for business.

Trust me, you’ll be happy you did – and so will your city.



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